Description:
Lefever EE Grade 12ga. – HIGH FACTORY CONDITION, ENGLISH GRIP, KRUPP
Most who pursue American doubles are aware that Lefever Arms Co. of Syracuse, N.Y. produced very elegant shotguns. The engraving is better most in its tasteful application. With the last Lefever being produced in 1919, Lefever produced relatively few guns; in the range of 60.000 guns. Mr. Elliot’s book “Uncle Dan Lefever—Master Gunmaker” notes there were few high grade Lefevers produced with Krupp Steel barrels. English grips show up on only 10% of the guns produced, so this gun is special. MOST IMPORTANTLY, THIS LEFEVER, SN51067E MADE IN 1905, RETAINS 92% FACTORY VIVID CASE COLORS. A Lefever EE Grade 12ga. is not a rare gun, but in this condition it is indeed rare. The EE Grade is high enough to show Lefever elegance in the engraving, wood figure, and fit/finish. This is a fine, investment quality Lefever that will make for a great upland and clays gun as well.
The 28” Krupp Steel barrels retain 96% factory blue, mirror bores, choked IC/M (.011/.017, can be altered to your specs for $60 per barrel), 2 ¾” chambers, minimum barrel wall thickness of 29 thou right, 32 left, no dents, dings, or scratches, ribs tight and barrels ring like chimes, double ivory beads, barrels tight on breech face and no wiggle on frame. This is a superb set of Krupp barrels.
The receiver is the most wonderful part of the Lefever gun. The bottom of the frame has sculpted bolsters, the engraving has that distinctive American flair, the case colors are just right. This Lefever retains 92% vivid factory case color, perfect screws, sharp clear engraving, action tight with lever centered. For those that are unaware, the unique feature of the Lefever action is that there is no hinge pin, but instead a ball that interfaces with the barrels and an ability to tighten a screw and self adjust the “tight on face” quality of the gun. The double triggers are wonderful and crisp, trigger guard is nicely engraved with birds and retains 35% factory case color, ejectors are well timed. What a GORGEOUS GUN!
The wood is very well figured French walnut with 95% finish, English grip, excellent checkering, no splits, cracks, or repairs, superb wood to metal fit, 14” LOP to factory butt plate, 13 5/8” LOP to end of wood, 2 ½” drop at heel, 1 9/16” drop at comb, neutral cast (can be bent or pad added to adjust to your specifications within 10 days of purchase), just a outstanding set of factory wood on this gun.
Finding a graded Lefever above an F Grade is hard enough, but to find one in this condition is becoming a once in a decade kind of opportunity. There are only 3 that I see available on the internet, all with serious issues. Think about how many DHE Parkers you see for sale. The Lefever is very scarce indeed. This is a gun that is ready for hunting or sporting clays, weighing 7 1/2lbs. nicely balanced, and will definitely provide pride of ownership. What a great way to make your money work for you. It is unlikely you will find a nicer one…ever.
There are more photos upon request. This gun has a 30 day mechanical warranty. Please see my other fine VINTAGE FIREARMS on this website. Just click on the line in the ad that says “see all items from this seller” and a great list of sporting and collectible guns will appear. Come visit us at the Great Northeastern Side x Side Classic in northeastern Pennsylvania June 3-5. We will have over 100 fine double shotguns to share with you. Thanks for looking!
Condition:
Used - See Item Description
Caliber:
12 Gauge
Location:
MI
Trades Accepted:
Shipping Notes: See Description
LET ME SELL YOUR GUNS!!! As you can see, I do a thorough job, am nationally known, and have hundreds of existing customers looking for your gun! Federally licensed dealer of Classic American Doubles, i.e. Fox, Parker, Ithaca, L.C. Smith, Lefever. Guns must be shipped to licensed dealer. Layaways accepted. No returns on layaways. I BUY SHOTGUNS, COLLECTIONS OR ONE AT A TIME.
